What should we pay attention for?
Be aware of the risks
Although time out can provide many benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks and challenges of taking a gap year. These include:
Top tips
Although time out can provide many benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks and challenges of taking a gap year. These include:
- the costs involved and the likelihood of increasing your debts, especially if you participate in an organised gap year programme straight after graduation;
- the increasing numbers of gap year organisations to choose from. You will need to assess which operate ethically and weigh up the benefits of what you will get for your money;
- focusing too much on fun and relaxation, which may not add any value to your CV from an employer’s perspective.
Top tips
- Do your research - speak to people who have been on a gap year and join online forums.
- Take time to plan and prepare - it can take 9-12 months to plan and raise the funds.
- Don't think of your gap year as a break from your career. Keep in mind how you will capitalise on the skills and experiences gained to boost your CV.
- Use the time to make contacts and develop networks that could help you in your future career.
- Think about your existing skills and how you could use them, e.g. mentoring, sport, first aid certificate, language skills, childcare skills.
Special considerations for females
While it isn’t necessarily more dangerous for women to take a gap year abroad, female travellers do need to be aware that many developing countries have different customs and culture that may affect how they’re treated. A few things to keep in mind...
Attitudes towards women can be very different in other cultures. To cause yourself the least hassle it’s wise to read up on local customs and conventions before you arrive.
Women considering a gap year abroad in countries such as India should be prepared to dress conservatively. It is considered respectable to cover your arms, legs and midriff at all times. You should also consider dyeing your hair a darker colour, as blonde and red hair is something of a novelty in other cultures and may attract unwanted attention.
You may find it easier to travel with a friend, who can provide moral support if you get into any confusing situations. It’s also a good idea to walk in groups late at night as a safety precaution.
While women should be vigilant, bear in mind that not all attention is threatening! Most men who approach foreign women are simply curious or trying to be helpful.
Attitudes towards women can be very different in other cultures. To cause yourself the least hassle it’s wise to read up on local customs and conventions before you arrive.
Women considering a gap year abroad in countries such as India should be prepared to dress conservatively. It is considered respectable to cover your arms, legs and midriff at all times. You should also consider dyeing your hair a darker colour, as blonde and red hair is something of a novelty in other cultures and may attract unwanted attention.
You may find it easier to travel with a friend, who can provide moral support if you get into any confusing situations. It’s also a good idea to walk in groups late at night as a safety precaution.
While women should be vigilant, bear in mind that not all attention is threatening! Most men who approach foreign women are simply curious or trying to be helpful.
The main considerations:
- Will a gap year affect your chances of a scholarship? Many scholarships come with a ‘no deferral’ condition, so be sure to check the conditions attached to your scholarship before deferring. Also, make sure you apply for any other university scholarships this year (and defer any that you receive for a year) rather than next year after your year off.
- For how long can you defer? Some universities will allow you to begin your studies mid-year, while others only allow for the usual deferral of one year. Some, on the other hand, are very lenient and allow students to defer for up to two years. This all depends on the institution and the course.
- Have you considered other options? If travel is your main objective then you might like to consider completing an exchange program during your degree, or completing your first year and then deferring to travel. This way, you might even be able to receive financial support from your institution. The University of Tasmania , for example, allows students who complete their first year of full-time studies with a credit average to apply for a $3500 travel scholarship. If gaining some industry experience is the main aim then you might like to consider completing a degree a with an inbuilt internship program, such as a co-op degree.
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